President Ma Ying-jeou has welcomed President of Burkina Faso Blaise Compaore to Taiwan.
During a discussion on Thursday, the two leaders discussed the Ebola epidemic that has killed thousands in parts of West Africa and is continuing to spread. Burkina Faso is geographically close to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, the three countries that have been worst impacted by the outbreak.
Ma said that Taiwan has provided 100,000 sets of protective clothing to African countries in an effort to prevent the spread of Ebola. He also said that Taiwan has donated US$1 million and dispatched experts to affected areas to help contain the outbreak. The president said that Taiwan is happy to assist Burkina Faso to protect itself against the spread of the epidemic.
"Areas of your country adjacent to the epidemic zone have already begun taking preventative measures. Our country has provided aid through our embassy in your country, purchased equipment [to stop the epidemics’ spread], and strengthened your country’s disease prevention mechanisms," said Ma. "We are happy to continue cooperating with your country to prevent the continued spread of the Ebola epidemic," he said.
The president also said that 20 years since the restoration of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Burkina Faso, exchanges between the two countries at all levels have continued to expand.
He also discussed the “Light for Africa” program, through which Taiwan has donated solar-powered LED lights to schools in Burkina Faso, allowing students without access to electricity to continue studying at night. Ma said that the program’s success in improving the learning environment for schoolchildren in Burkina Faso has convinced him to continue deepening cooperation with Burkina Faso.